Orange County NC Website
13 <br /> Page 4 of 5 Cassie Rice <br /> balancing operational realities with mission commitments. Earlier in my career, I served on the <br /> staff of Congressman David Price, where I gained exposure to federal housing policy, public <br /> funding mechanisms, and the relationship between local implementation and federal standards. <br /> I also have direct lived experience navigating county, state, and federal systems as the spouse <br /> of a veteran receiving public services. That experience has given me insight into how critical <br /> clarity, accountability, and responsiveness are when families rely on public systems for stability. <br /> I hold two master's degrees and have spent more than fifteen years in roles requiring analytical <br /> rigor, disciplined governance, and long-term thinking. These skills are directly relevant to <br /> housing oversight and policy implementation. <br /> Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board <br /> Stable housing is foundational to individual and family well-being. It influences educational <br /> outcomes, employment stability, health, and long-term financial security. I am interested in <br /> serving on the Housing Authority Board because I believe strong housing policy creates the <br /> conditions for people to build stable, productive lives. My motivation is rooted in both <br /> professional and personal experience. Professionally, I work in environments where institutional <br /> decisions have long-term community impact. Personally, I have navigated public systems that <br /> provide critical services to families. I understand how destabilizing uncertainty in those systems <br /> can be, and I value institutions that operate with clarity and accountability. Housing authorities <br /> carry significant responsibility: stewarding public resources, maintaining physical assets, <br /> complying with regulatory requirements, and serving residents with dignity. I am drawn to <br /> governance roles that require balancing fiscal responsibility with human impact. I believe <br /> disciplined oversight and thoughtful policy can expand opportunity while maintaining <br /> sustainability. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute steady governance, financial <br /> literacy, and a long-term perspective to the Board's work. <br /> How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? <br /> I would contribute a governance-and systems-oriented perspective informed by experience <br /> across federal public service, nonprofit executive leadership, small business ownership, and <br /> community governance. That cross-sector background provides insight into how housing <br /> decisions affect families, institutions, and local economies differently. I also bring lived <br /> experience navigating public systems as the spouse of a veteran receiving county, state, and <br /> federal services. That experience has shaped my understanding of how policy implementation <br /> affects families in practical, daily ways. It has reinforced the importance of transparency, <br /> procedural fairness, and responsiveness. In addition, I approach complex issues with an <br /> analytical and long-term lens. Diversity of viewpoint includes diversity of professional <br /> background and decision-making style. My contribution would be grounded in financial <br /> discipline, respect for regulatory frameworks, and a commitment to ensuring housing systems <br /> are both sustainable and accessible. As a parent and small business owner in Orange County, I <br /> also bring a perspective rooted in daily community life and economic reality. I believe those <br /> vantage points can help the Board consider both institutional durability and resident impact in <br /> its decisions. <br /> Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest <br /> (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? <br /> Boards/Commissions appointments: <br /> Orange County Schools Safety Task Force <br /> Application Date: 11/16/2022 <br /> Background, education and experience relevant to this board: <br /> Growing up a public policy and administration nerd, the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for <br /> Rep. David Price in my early career offered me a viewpoint and real life examples on how to <br /> effectively make change at the legislative level. I understand the <br />